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BKX22 | BKDBC Audition Clinic | SoCal (CA) | November 28, 2021

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Welcome to BKX

The Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps Auditions and Experience 2022

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BKX22 INFO

Important COVID-19 Info

All participants will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit proof of vaccination to Ascend.

Masks are required while indoors.

BKX 2022 Audition Camp and Clinic Events

DateCamp/ClinicSectionsLocationStart Time
(Check In Opens)
End Time
February 25-27, 2022Denver, CO 3-Day CampBrass OnlyAdams City High School | 7200 Quebec Pkwy, Commerce City, CO 800227:00pm Fri (6:00pm)3:45pm Sun
April 29 – May 1, 2022Denver, CO 3-Day CampAllTBA7:00pm Fri (6:00pm)3:45pm Sun

* This indicates a change from the previous schedule.

Traveling to a Denver Camp?

Complete the shuttle request form here:

Arriving to a BK Event?

Submit your PCR Test result here:

Looking for more Info?

Visit the FAQ here:

2021 BKDBC March Town Hall

Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps is hosting a town hall meeting on Sunday March 14, 2020 at 7:00pm MDT (UTC-6:00) via Zoom

[Please remember to check your clocks, we make the switch to Daylight Savings Time on Sunday the 14th]

Please join us in discussing the ongoing 2021 corps audition process. Mark will be providing an update regarding tour fees and the summer schedule. We will also be hearing from the design team with updates about the show, and staff will detail plans for the upcoming camp on March 20th.

Ascend Performing Arts is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: BKDBC 2021 Season March Town Hall
Time: Mar 14, 2021 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97460056531?pwd=UzFqaStJM3V0cC9OTk53c1VvekdHdz09

Meeting ID: 974 6005 6531
Passcode: 918579

FAQ

Auditions

How do auditions work?

We hold 3-day weekend BKXperience-audition camps in November and December in Denver, and several 1-day BKXperience-audition clinics at locations outside of Colorado! We select our membership based on each individual’s talent, attitude, attendance, and ability to meet financial obligations. Our staff evaluates potential members individually, as well as in group rehearsal settings, and all returning members are required to re-audition alongside new auditionees so that equal consideration can be given to all candidates.

 

Once you’re registered to audition, you will be given access to the “DOT BOOK” for your section – our packet with the educational breakdown of our technique, and the audition material you’ll need to learn! Before attending your first clinic or camp, you’ll want to take the time to go through the Dot Book and make sure you understand the technique and can perform the required audition material.

 

After reading through the Dot Book, the breakdown of how clinics and camps work for each section are listed below:

 

Brass, Percussion, Color Guard

For brass, percussion, and color guard auditionees, all listed auditions are part of a two-step process. The November and December BKXperience clinics and camps are designed to both introduce you to and allow you to audition for the drum corps. It is highly recommended (though not mandatory) that prospective members attend more than one of the clinics and camps offered in November and December to increase your exposure to our instructors and materials. Several membership contracts will be awarded at our Denver December camp, and auditions for remaining spots will continue into January. Members who are accepted into the corps should plan on attending the training camps in January and April. There is an additional training camp in February for brass.

 

Drum Major

Anyone looking to audition for a position as a Blue Knights drum major or who just wants to gain experience by going through the process should plan on attending both the Denver November and December Camps and must attend the Denver November camp. The BKXperience 3-Day Camp in Denver in November is open to anyone interested, and is the first round of the selection process. Participants at the November camp will work closely with current Blue Knights drum majors, learn and practice our conducting technique, share leadership experiences, and get several hours of instruction and discussion with our staff. All drum major participants will receive feedback. Those interested in auditioning will also go through an interview with our staff at the November camp. A number of exceptional candidates will be invited back to the December 3-Day Camp in Denver for the final round of selections.

What is your policy on vaccination requirements to attend audition events?

We are requiring all individuals attending our events to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

 

More information about how to submit your proof of vaccination will be posted within your BKX class for each event.

How do I become a Blue Knight?

In order to become a Blue Knight, you will need to go through our audition process by attending our BKXperience clinics/camps. In addition to our 3-day BKXperience camps in Denver, 1-day BKXperience clinics are located in many different areas of the country to make it easier and more accessible for you to audition! During a BKXperience clinic, you will meet and learn from our world-class instructional staff and receive feedback on your showcased performance abilities. You will find out whether our staff believes you are a good candidate to continue to audition as a call back in December and/or January, in Denver. Auditionees who are chosen for a membership position will be required to attend subsequent winter training camps in Denver, Colorado which occur once a month in December, January, and April.

Where do I register to audition?

Go here to register!

How much are audition/event fees?

Audition Fee
$30
This is paid only once per participant, and covers both the cost of our packaged educational/audition material, and allows your to audition!

 

BKXperience 1-Day Clinic
$100 Before October 22nd
$125 After October 22nd
$150 Day of Event

 

BKXperience 3-Day Camp
$150 Before October 22nd
$175 After October 22nd
$200 Day of Event

 

Virtual Audition
$120

 

All fees and camp/clinic registrations are non-refundable. In some cases, we may be able to transfer a fee or registration to another instrument or event.

Were some events cancelled?

Yes. We have just recently opened virtual auditions for this year in order to make our auditions even more accessible! We felt it was best to remove some events in favor of a virtual option. The currently listed selection of events are those you can select to attend in person!

What can I do to improve my chances of making the Blue Knights?

Simply put, we select our membership based on each individual’s talent, attitude, attendance, and ability to meet financial obligations. You can maximize your chances of making the Blue Knights by attending our audition camps and by being able to demonstrate your performance capabilities, a desire to learn, and that you can fulfill our membership criteria.

 

Each year, many potential members who could have made the corps cut themselves after just one camp, or even before their first camp. Auditioning for a drum corps can be intimidating, and we know that. We take a lot of pride in and have put a lot of work into our inviting, friendly, and supportive environment. If you want to become a member of the Blue Knights, know that we truly look forward to meeting you and helping you find a plan to make that happen.

Can I send in a video audition?

Yes, we are happy to offer an opportunity to audition for the Blue Knights virtually! Although attending one of our audition events in person certainly provides you with the best experience in meeting and learning from our staff and experiencing the atmosphere of the Blue Knights, we are happy to accept virtual auditions!

https://bkxperience.org/exchange/bkx-2022-virtual-audition-i/

Do you have Drum Major Auditions?

Yes! Anyone looking to audition for a position as a Blue Knights drum major or who just wants to gain experience by going through the process should plan on attending both the Denver November and December Camps. The BKXperience 3-Day Camp in Denver in November is open to anyone interested, and is the first round of the selection process. Those auditioning for drum major must attend the November camp in Denver. Participants at the November camp will work closely with current Blue Knights drum majors, learn and practice our conducting technique, share leadership experiences, and get several hours of instruction and discussion with our staff. All drum major participants will receive feedback. Those interested in auditioning will also go through an interview with our staff at the November camp. A number of exceptional candidates will be invited back to the December 3-Day Camp in Denver for the final round of selections.

 

At this time, Drum Major auditions are closed for the 2022 season and all positions have been filled.

 

Questions? Contact our Corps Director, Daniel Belcher at daniel.belcher@ascendperformingarts.org

How old do I have to be? Is there an age limit?

Due to the age limit in place across all open and world class DCI corps, in order to be a member of the Blue Knights you must be no older than 21 years old. If you are currently 21, you may become a member so long as your 22nd birthday is on or after June 1st of 2022.

 

While most people who march for the Blue Knights are not younger than 16 years old, we recommend anyone interested come to the BKXperience clinics or camps to learn more about what is expected. It is also a chance to see how the Blue Knights operate, as well as a chance for our staff to get to know you!

How many openings are there this year?

All positions of brass, percussion, color guard, and drum major start the audition season as open. All returning members are required to re-audition alongside new auditionees, so we can give equal consideration to all candidates.

 

However, as of February 2022 many positions have been filled and contracted for the 2022 season. 

 

That said, there are still open positions in the following sections:

Brass
Trumpet
Mellophone
Euphonium
Tuba

 

Battery
Snare

 

Front Ensemble
Drum Set

 

Color Guard

How much is tuition for 2022?

The cost of participating in a world class drum and bugle corps is an expensive endeavor, and the Blue Knights strive to keep our costs as low as possible. The cost of tuition is currently still to be determined for 2022. However for reference, member tuition was set to be $4,650 for 2020, which was to be our last full season. We offer a discount to our veteran members, which in 2020 was to be $400 for a tuition cost of $4,250.

 

Member Tuition covers the cost of participation in the drum corps, including spring training housing and meals, airport shuttle transportation, national tour transportation and meals, instruction, equipment, uniforms, member wear, shoes, logistics, and administrative support. On average, our member tuition covers only around 50% of the total cost of each season. We cover the rest of the cost of the season with grants, fundraising, and donations.

 

If you have questions about fees, please feel free to contact our office: info@ascendperformingarts.org

 

Being able to meet the commitment of member tuition is one factor in becoming a Blue Knight. Have a plan in place during auditions for when you are offered a contract!

Are there ways to reduce the tuition fee?

Yes, there are a variety of ways to reduce your membership fees! Financial assistance in the form of scholarships are available every year from Ascend Performing Arts, and are based upon need. There are numerous other scholarships available from DCI and other organizations as well. Each year Ascend Performing Arts provides several scholarships, and this assistance for each individual can easily add up to $500 or more. There is also a discount on tuition for those who pay full tuition prior to February 28th, 2022. There will be additional information and policies available in the membership contract, including information on how you can acquire your own sponsorships, which will be provided once you are accepted into the Blue Knights as a member.

Camp/Clinic Events

What do I need for a BKXperience 3-Day camp?

Aside from your rehearsal gear and paying your audition fee and camp fee, you should have sleeping gear (sleeping bag, air mattress, etc.), toiletries, a water jug and anything else you will need for an overnight stay. We will have showers available at the camp location as well; two of the most often forgotten items when packing for camp are a towel and shower shoes (flip-flops, crocs, etc.)! Your camp fee will cover all of your meals during the weekend:

Friday: Snack
Saturday: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack
Sunday: Breakfast, Lunch

 

BRASS
You will need a three ring binder with plastic page protectors, two pencils, your own mouthpiece, a pair of gloves for playing a corps horn, a water jug, and athletic shoes with clothing that permits movement. Please also bring a black towel proportionate to the size of your horn for when we set the instruments down on the ground. If possible, you should bring your own horn for audition camps as we only have a limited number of corps instruments available. For all auditions, you may play on your concert horn (trombone, french horn, c-tuba, etc.). If you opt to play your audition on your concert horn, you will be asked to play something on a corps instrument during your audition just to see how smooth the transition might be.

 


PERCUSSION
You will need sticks and/or mallets, a water jug, and athletic shoes with clothing that permits movement. Percussion instruments will be provided. Battery auditionees are highly encouraged to bring a practice pad if available.

 


COLOR GUARD
You will need guard gloves, a water jug, and athletic shoes with clothing that permits movement. Flags will be provided, but we will have limited weapons and you should bring your own if possible!

 

Questions? Contact info@ascendperformingarts.org

What do I need for a BKXperience 1-Day clinic?

Since the BKXperience 1-Day clinics are only part of one day, less is required to participate! Aside from paying your audition fee and clinic fee, see below for the list of needed items for each section.

 

BRASS
You will need your own mouthpiece, a water jug, and athletic shoes with clothing that permits movement. At 1-day clinics, please bring your own horn. For all auditions, you may play on your concert horn (trombone, french horn, c-tuba, etc.). If you opt to play your audition on your concert horn, you will be asked to play something on a corps instrument during your audition just to see how smooth the transition might be.

 


PERCUSSION
You will need sticks and/or mallets, a water jug, and athletic shoes with clothing that permits movement. Percussion instruments will be provided. Battery auditionees and applicable front ensemble auditionees are highly encouraged to bring a practice pad if available.

 


COLOR GUARD
You will need guard gloves, a water jug, and athletic shoes with clothing that permits movement. Flags will be provided, but you should bring your own weapon(s) if possible!

May my parents come to a BKXperience camp or clinic event?

Parents are more than welcome to join our team of volunteers either cooking meals or working on equipment during a camp! Parents should use the camp volunteer signup on our Current Volunteer Requests page, and will need to submit proof of vaccination. We ask that parents not volunteering not visit rehearsal at this time, in order to limit the amount of people we have in any given space, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. At 3-day camps in Denver, there will be a welcome meeting at the beginning of each camp followed by a parent-specific meeting.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?

We do ask that you bring your own equipment if you can, because of the number of people that will be auditioning. Brass players should bring an appropriate instrument if possible (or at least their mouthpiece). Percussion participants do not need to bring any instruments, just sticks/mallets and a practice pad. Color guard participants should bring their own weapon(s), but will be provided with flags. Once you become a member of the corps, we will supply you with all of the equipment you’ll need.

What do I do about eating before a camp?

You should try to eat before any 3-day camp on Friday. However, there are usually snacks and drinks set out after a camp begins.

 

At our 1-day clinics, there will be a break for lunch where food will be provided (typically pizza).

When does a 3-day BKXperience camp typically start and end?

Typically, our 3-day camps in Denver start with a welcome meeting around 7pm on Friday, and end around 4pm on Sunday.

When does a 1-day BKXperience camp start and end?

Our 1-day clinics start with a welcome meeting at 10:00am and end at 4:30pm. Check-in at the clinic will open at about 9:30am.

There will be a break for lunch in the middle of the clinic, where food will be provided (typically pizza).

Is there a shuttle from Denver International Airport to camp?

Yes there is! Please notify us of your flight arrangements at least one week in advance by filling out this online form with your travel itinerary. We will pick you up from the airport and bring you to the camp, as well as return you to the airport after the camp is over.

  • All flights should be scheduled to arrive in Denver before 6:00 pm on Friday as best as possible.
  • All return flights (out of Denver) should be scheduled after 6:30 pm to allow time to arrive at the airport. This is not always feasible, but is the ideal case.
    We will provide scheduled transportation to and from the airport. Proceed from baggage claim to DOOR 404 on the passenger pick-up level of the West terminal. This sign will be red, as all signs on the West terminal are red. Blue signs indicate you are in the East terminal.
  • Please send us your flight information as soon as you know it so we have time to plan. You must complete the online form no later than one week prior to your arrival. NOTE: Transportation requests made after the Wednesday before camp cannot guarantee that we will be able to pick you up. Shuttle transportation is only available for Denver camps.
  • For any special needs or questions regarding travel, please contact us at info@ascendperformingarts.org

What do I do if I arrive late to a camp?

Please check-in at registration before going to audition/rehearsal. If you arrive later than that you must check-in at the next meal of the camp, or contact us at info@ascendperformingarts.org

Did the 3-Day Denver January Camp change?

As you are well aware, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is rapidly spreading across the United States and globally. In the interest of the health and safety of all our Blue Knights participants, staff, and volunteers we have changed the scope of the 3-day Denver January Camp, January 21-23, 2022.

 

 

1. The 3-day Denver January Camp, January 21-23, 2022 will now be a percussion only camp.

We have made this decision in order to provide the safest experience possible for attending percussion participants by reducing the total number of attendees to the minimum. Brass and color guard sections have already extended over 50% of their contracts, however, the percussion section has not had this same opportunity to have a majority of their prospective call backs drum together in the same place at the same time. The January camp was intended to be that opportunity, and we would like to still try and make that possible for them. Likewise, as the smallest section, we feel as though focusing the camp on percussion only will provide the safest environment possible to attain this goal.

 

 
 

2. BRASS registered for the 3-Day Denver January Camp will have their registration automatically transferred to the 3-Day Denver February Camp, February 25-27, 2022.

If you as a brass player are unable to attend the February Camp, please reach out to info@ascendperformingarts.org and we can transfer your registration to a Virtual Audition instead.
Rather than attend the January Camp in-person, prospective and contracted brass participants will have a Zoom rehearsal during the day on Saturday Jan 22, 2022. More details about this rehearsal will be coming soon.

If you were already registered for the January Camp, you will be added to the Brass January 22 Rehearsal class on BKX. If you were not registered for the camp, but want to attend the virtual Zoom rehearsal, register here at no cost.

 

 
 

3. COLOR GUARD registered for the 3-Day Denver January Camp will have their registration automatically transferred.

If you as a color guard participant are already contracted, you will have your registration transferred to the 3-Day Denver April Camp, April 29 – May 1, 2022.

If you as a color guard participant have a call back or are not contracted, you will have your registration transferred to a Virtual Audition. If you have not registered and still want to audition, you can still register for a Virtual Audition.

 

 

4. PERCUSSIONISTS registered for the 3-Day Denver January Camp may still attend the camp in-person, January 21-23, 2022. It will be held at Adams City High School.

 
Adams City High School
7200 Quebec Pkwy

Commerce City, CO 80022
MAP

 

In addition to our vaccination, masking, and social distancing requirements already in place, ALL participants, staff, and volunteers at the camp will need to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR diagnostic test taken within 72 hours (3 days) prior to arrival at camp. Although day-of tests may be hard to find at the moment, there are many opportunities to schedule a PCR “test for travel” well in advance at your local pharmacy such as Walgreens or CVS. You will NEED to schedule your test a week out or more and we suggest scheduling to take your test on Wednesday January 19, 2022 as it generally takes at least 24 hours to receive your results back. Please be diligent in doing so as we will offer no exceptions. EVERYONE attending must be fully vaccinated and have proof of a negative PCR test from within 72 hours of arrival at camp.

 

You can submit your test results using this Google form: https://forms.gle/43dEPcCyDtirsNf69

 

If you as a percussionist are registered but unable to attend the January Camp and would still like to audition, please reach out to info@ascendperformingarts.org as soon as possible and we can transfer your January Camp registration to a Virtual Audition instead. Or, if you haven’t registered yet, you can do so HERE.

 

 

Lastly, we will continue to watch and monitor the situation. We will continue to evaluate our ability to hold this event, and may fully cancel the event if we deem it to be necessary. Thank you for your understanding and we wish you the best of health.

 
 

 

Questions? Check out the BKX22 FAQ or email us at info@ascendperformingarts.org

I have a specific question about accommodations at camp not answered here, where can I ask?

Please feel free to reach out to info@ascendperformingarts.org, and we’ll be happy to help answer any questions or discuss accommodations!

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Reach out to us at info@ascendperformingarts.org

BKX 2022 Audition and Event Dates

Event

Audition Deadline

Event Date

BKX March Camp 2021

March 15, 2021

Saturday March 20, 2021 12:00pm MDT

BKX April Camp 2021

April 19, 2021

Saturday April 24, 2021 12:00pm MDT

BKX May Camp 2021

May 17, 2021

Saturday May 22, 2021 12:00pm MDT

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